Closeted versus persistent, with a side of murder.

Terrell is seriously repressed, but Colby's determination is fueled by patience and bone-deep need, and faith enough for both of them. Apparently some people found the intrigue boring, but I didn't. The best part, like perfect spice in a meal, is the humor throughout. I don't think this is Lane's best work, but I enjoyed it very much. ( )

Terrell Washington hoped he could make a better life for himself. Growing up gay in his poor, black neighborhood didn't leave him with many prospects. But he managed to go to college and graduate with a degree in journalism. And now he works as a bartender at a chain restaurant, all the while hiding who he truly is and believing his dreams have died. Colby Meyers, Terrell's co-worker, is one for whom dreams are still very much alive. Terrell is convinced Colby cannot even begin to understand Terrell's life, but Colby's energy and excitement for life is infectious, and Terrell finds himself drawn to Colby in ways he didn't expect could happen. There are complications, though: Terrell isn't out and is convinced he can never be; Terrell isn't quite sure if his world and Colby's world could join as one; Colby is keeping a secret; and their manager was just killed by an unknown shooter who ran away without being seen...

There's something I personally found very endearing about these two guys. Both of them are talented and have a lot of potential, but there have been obstacles in their way in life that they've needed to find ways to overcome. It hasn't been easy. And it still proves to be challenging. But they find a way, alone and together, to get through it. This story has some inspiration in it, if you're willing to let yourself connect with the characters and see these messages. And, of course, it's an engaging read--the identity of the murderer just might surprise you. ( )

Likable characters. Plus a who-dun-it. Great storyline. ( )

Likable characters. Plus a who-dun-it. Great storyline. ( )

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Terrell?” Colby muttered, rubbing the sweat falling off his forehead onto Terrell’s back.
“Yeah?”
“I hope you know… you know it’s not like this with just anyone, right?”
[…]
“It’s special to me,” he said honestly. “That’s all the fuck I know.”

So there’s this first kiss in this story that get’s interrupted and it just crushed me. There was something about the description of that kiss that had me right there, right in the moment. I think I became Terrell. Literally the interruption made me gasp.

THE CHARACTERS

The past half an hour, laughing, eating, talking – it was like it had never existed, and in its place was Terrell’s driving need not to be gay

Terrell Washington - He grew up poor, black and gay. He’s still trying to come to terms with some of those things. He admits he’s angry, but he’s not a drag. He just needs to find some hope.

Or was that just maybe Colby’s magical superpower – he made guys who weren’t supposed to be gay want him.

Worst. Superpower. Ever.

Colby Meyers - Colby is everyone’s dream guy. Golden and shining and honorable and beautiful. I thought I wasn’t going to see what Colby saw in Terrell (you know how that is sometimes? How you get one characters attraction, but not the others?), especially with this being from Terrell’s POV. But that wasn’t the case at all. I saw Colby falling in love with Terrell all the way through this book. Maybe because I was falling in love with him too.

THE STORY

Bolt-Hole is about two men who have become close friends over the past year. Luckily for Terrell, Colby is a planner and has been planning to get even closer to Terrell. A murder occurs at their workplace and I was expecting that to be the “hook” for this story. It’s not really, or it wasn’t for me. For me it was about prejudice and differences and similarities and finding a way to love and be loved.

Told from Terrell’s perspective you might expect this to be a bit of a downer, but it isn’t at all. He’s got baggage, but he’s finally got someone who lifts some of the weight.

THE WRITING

I’ve come to really enjoy Amy Lane’s writing. It isn’t spectacular or earth shattering, but it’s solid every time and it has the ability to draw me in, make me care about the characters and deliver a dependable, enjoyable romance.

This isn’t to say that there aren’t some tummy clenching moments and tingle-inducing scenes. There are. It’s just that the writing is so easy, the poignant moments so fluid, that you don’t get too bogged down in the dramatics.

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